Drivers are often blamed for crosswalk accidents, but the facts counter such blame.

In May 2010, Canandaigua’s Police analyzed accidents near city crosswalks, and they mostly blamed the pedestrians. But of course, since the department works for the city, it had to temper its conclusions and recommendations.

In 2002, before Canandaigua’s Police report, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued Report FHWA-RD-01-075. That report reaffirmed the conclusions of the police with even more data and some specific cautions and recommendations. In particular, the study warned that unprotected crosswalks are not safe on roadways with four or more lanes, UNLESS they are supplemented with pedestrian-activated crossing lights.

In addition to the above data, at least one law of physics is regularly violated on Main Street (obstruction of visual lines-of-sight in moving vehicles).

Despite such facts, politicians at the state, county and (especially) local levels will vigorously favor continuation of the law, and they will do so until one of their loved ones is either maimed or killed in a tragic accident on Main Street. So much for common sense!